On Sunday, September 8, Advocate Health Care cancer survivor Julie Hermann received a special honor as the guest of the Chicago Bears during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field. This moment marked a poignant celebration of resilience and strength, as Hermann, a resident of Crystal Lake and a patient at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, played a vital role in unfurling the giant flag during the Bears’ home opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Hermann’s journey to this moment is both inspiring and educational. With no family history of breast cancer and a history of diligent self-care, she always made it a priority to keep up with her scheduled mammograms. However, during a routine breast self-exam, she discovered a lump that wouldn’t go away. Concerned, she promptly scheduled an appointment with her doctor.
After discussing her findings with her obstetrician, Hermann was referred to Dr. Barry Rosen, a breast surgeon at Advocate Health Care. His swift action included a same-day appointment for a biopsy. Despite her mammogram not indicating any issues, the biopsy results revealed that Hermann had breast cancer.
“I honestly thought there couldn’t be anything wrong with me,” Hermann reflected. “Now I tell my friends who do breast self-exams to check their armpits, too. If my story can help, I want to share it.”
Shortly after her diagnosis, Hermann met with Dr. Sandeep Chunduri, an oncologist at Advocate Health Care, who confirmed that she had Stage 3C triple-negative breast cancer. Hermann commenced a rigorous chemotherapy protocol, during which Dr. Chunduri recommended the DigniCap scalp cooling system. This innovative treatment helps reduce hair loss during chemotherapy—a significant concern for many patients. “I’m so glad he recommended DigniCap to me. I did it for my kids; it made a big difference because I did not look as sick,” Hermann shared.
After enduring 16 rounds of chemotherapy, Hermann opted for a double mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction. With the chemotherapy proving effective, she recently began radiation therapy, attending sessions five days a week. Hermann is eager to complete her treatment and return to her job, where she plans to continue living life to the fullest.
Reflecting on her experience, Hermann expressed deep gratitude for the staff at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. “The nurses and staff were amazing. I cannot say enough good things about them. They were so loving, caring, and respectful. While I was happy to be done with chemo, I was sad to leave them,” she said. She also praised Dr. Rosen and Dr. Chunduri for their thoroughness and support throughout her treatment process.
Hermann’s story doesn’t just end with her personal journey; she aims to inspire others facing similar challenges. “I have met several breast cancer survivors throughout this process, and it’s so helpful,” she explained. “If anyone needs someone to talk to, I will talk to them and help them through the process or just be a listening ear.”
As she stood on the field with the Chicago Bears, Hermann’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance in health care and the strength found in community support. Her journey is not just about overcoming cancer; it’s about inspiring hope and encouraging others to take charge of their health.
